BLANTYRE, Malawi, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has temporarily withdrawn two of its long-term election observers following an attack on them on Sunday in Chikwawa district, south of Malawi.
In a statement issued on Monday, the press office for the mission confirmed that two members of the team on assignment in the lower Shire district, almost 45 km from Malawi's commercial capital, Blantyre, were attacked, with one sustaining injuries.
"One of the team members sustained some injuries which have now been treated and he has been discharged from hospital. The affected observers are now in Blantyre for the time being.
"This incident is now being handled by the Malawi Police Service, which has provided great support to the mission, and we are liaising closely with them," the statement said.
The mission will continue with its work on the Malawi election without alterations, it said.
"We are here in the country to support Malawi at this important time. The well-being of our observers is of course a major priority, so we will continue to liaise with the police in the areas where our observers are based to ensure their well-being," the statement said.
Confirming the development, Chikwawa police public relations officer Foster Benjamin said the law enforcers have made the apprehension of the suspects a priority.
Tripartite elections are slated for May 21 in Malawi.
A total of 28 election observers were sent out to anchor 14 operation points around the country to oversee the period before, during and after elections.
EU EOM will deploy an additional 32 short-term observers across Malawi on Friday.
They will join, according to the mission, the 28 long-term observers already on the ground since April 18.
